Arguably one of the best centers in the NBA, Nikola Jokic from the Denver Nuggets is one of the best players on the court right now. At 28, he ranks among the top 10 on the all-time list of NBA players with the most triple-doubles. Most importantly, the 2-time MVP led his team to their first-ever franchise win in the NBA Finals this year.
Despite his apparent talent, his teammate Michael Porter Jr. has revealed how he misjudged ‘Joker’ in their initial practice sessions. The former even chose a veteran center to replace Jokic in the starting lineup. But what made the 25-year-old recourse back to his senses?
Michael Porter Jr.’s initial reactions to “fat” Nikola Jokic
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Michael Porter Jr, a rising star for the Denver Nuggets, demonstrated his prowess in the playoffs last season. Throughout 20 games, he maintained impressive averages of 13.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
He was also a part of the championship-winning team, putting up 16 points and 13 rebounds in the final. Since joining the Nuggets, Porter Jr. has evolved into a crucial team player, seamlessly adapting to the presence of the exceptionally talented Nikola Jokic. But he had some strange misconceptions about him in his early Nuggets days.
In a recent interview, he was asked to describe the moment when ‘Joker’ surpassed his expectations for the first time. It led to Porter recalling a story from their early training sessions. “I’ve told this story before, but when I first got drafted to Denver and I saw him in training camp, I thought Mason Plumlee was better than him.”
He even asked his superiors, “I was like, ‘Wait, why does Joker start over Mason?’ Because Joker was kind of coasting a little bit. I’m like, ‘This dude is fat.’ to which they replied,?’No, wait till you see him playing the games.’ He could score 50 every game if he wanted to.”?
"When I first got drafted to Denver and I saw him in training camp, I thought Mason Plumlee was better… I was like, 'Why does Joker start over Mason? This dude is fat.'"
Michael Porter Jr. on when he realized Nikola Jokic was special
(via @TaylorRooks)pic.twitter.com/5PRr41k0Sx
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 11, 2023
Indeed, Jokic’s unreal talent helped Denvers to their inaugural NBA championship ring. But with a successful season behind them, how is the team shaping up for the future?
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Is the future of the Denver Nuggets in safe hands?
The Denver Nuggets have developed a Championship winning team. All the players are young, enthusiastic and most importantly, they have Jokic within their ranks.
With him on their side, the Denver Nuggets look to be title contenders again this season. But as the saying goes, getting on the top is easy, but staying on the top is the real challenge.
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The Nuggets, with a talented roster in place, are determined to continue their pursuit of greatness and are aiming to sustain their winning formula for another impactful run. Can they defend their 2022-23 NBA championship? Let us know in the comments below.
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